Six more new light rail vehicles for Sydney

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today said the NSW Government had extended an existing contract with Spanish manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) for the supply of six new light rail vehicles, adding to a previous order of six new and four leased vehicles.

The $19 million order means that over the next few years, the NSW Government will be able to retire the existing light rail fleet that has been in operation since the current service started, Ms Berejiklian said.

“I’m very pleased we have now ordered a total of 12 new light rail vehicles, with six vehicles already in production, which is great news for light rail customers,” she said.

“When CAF was initially engaged in August last year to supply six new and four leased light rail vehicles their contract included a provision to supply more new vehicles in the future, if required.

“These new vehicles will provide a smooth, quiet, comfortable and air-conditioned customer journey on this important mode of public transport in Sydney.”

Ms Berejiklian said the new vehicles will be used on the current Inner West Light Rail line, and the 5.6 kilometre extension of the line from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill, which will begin operating in early 2014.

“We are committed to investing in this accessible, efficient mode of transport. The new light rail vehicles ordered from CAF today will improve the service we are providing to customers to enhance their experience on our expanding network.

“Light rail will continue to play a significant role in Sydney’s transport future, with construction of the Inner West light rail extension nearing completion and work for the new line through Sydney’s CBD and south east likely to begin next year.”

Ms Berejiklian said the cost of the latest contract was comparable to maintaining the existing ageing fleet of vehicles. The first six vehicles are already in production and will be available to service the Inner West light rail extension in mid-2014.

The first of the six new vehicles purchased today will arrive in Sydney in early 2015.

Two of the leased vehicles have already arrived in Sydney, with the remaining two due before the end of 2013.